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Fearful or Careful?

"The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine." Saul said to David, "Go, and the LORD be with you."
1 Samuel 17:37

Fearful people often excuse their fear as just being careful! They say, "I'm not afraid, I'm just being careful. You can't rush these things, you know." Doubtless King Saul wouldn't have admitted he was afraid to face Goliath, yet behind all his talk of "calculated risks" and discussions about "what was best for the nation," he was just plain scared. As you evaluate your response to the risks you face right now, ask yourself: "Am I careful or fearful" You must wrestle that question to the ground! You see: 1) careful is thoughtful; fearful is emotional 2) careful is fuelled by information; fearful is fuelled by imagination 3) careful calculates risk; fearful avoids risk 4) careful wants to achieve success; fearful wants to avoid failure 5) careful is concerned about progress; fearful is concerned about protection. Saul was fearful; he did nothing. David was careful; he moved forward and killed the giant. And in that moment something significant happened. The Israelites suddenly got the courage to fight. The Philistines, who moments before had been beating their chests, suddenly ran for cover. One act of bravery, just one, gave everybody else what they lacked - courage. And that's the heart of leadership! Leaders instill courage in the hearts of those who follow - not just by their words, but by their actions. So if you want to be a leader, you have to go first! In stepping out, you'll give the gift of courage to those who are watching. And depending on your situation, your one act of courage may change everything around you for the better!

Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me be careful and not fearful in responding to what you place in front of me today – and everyday! In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen